Birmingham City's Suspension Dilemma
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has delivered a clear message to four first-team players who are walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the Championship's yellow card amnesty next month.
The Blues have several key figures in danger of receiving one-match bans for accumulating five yellow cards this season, with midfielder Tomoki Iwata just one booking away from suspension.
Players at Risk
Defender Christoph Klarer, midfielder Paik Seung-ho - who suffered a worrying shoulder injury in Saturday's defeat to Middlesbrough - and forward Jay Stansfield all find themselves on three yellow cards.
Winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has already served a one-match ban after reaching five bookings earlier this season and has struggled to regain his starting position since returning.
Manager's Approach to Discipline
Despite the precarious situation, Davies insists he won't allow the threat of suspension to affect his players' approach to the game. "I don't really mention it, I want them to play their natural game," the Blues boss commented.
"Obviously if they get a yellow card within a match I will always remind them, 'You're on a yellow card, pay attention'. They all know where they are on their numbers for possible suspensions."
Davies emphasised that he tries "not to put too much in their head that is going to change their game or make them overthink it," adding that any cards received would likely come from players "trying to do the right thing."
Crucial Fixtures Ahead
Birmingham face a challenging run of four matches before the disciplinary amnesty kicks in after the 19th game of the season. The sequence includes fixtures against:
- Norwich City
- West Bromwich Albion
- Watford
- Southampton
Fortunately for Blues supporters, all of the players in question managed to avoid picking up bookings during the Middlesbrough match, giving them a clean slate for the crucial period ahead.
The yellow card amnesty means players will no longer face suspension for reaching five bookings once Birmingham have played 19 Championship matches this season.
